Prediction of ground movements under dipping seam conditions

The prediction of ground movements due to underground coal mining and their impacts on the surface are important considerations that have been studied by numerous researchers around the world. The majority of these studies have focused on the development of different analytical and empirical models for the prediction and calculation of ground deformation indices for either flat or gently dipping seams under variable topography. However, a few studies are available with respect to the prediction of ground movements under dipping seam conditions. Dipping seam conditions have been encountered in some cases in the US, where the inclination (dip) may be in the range of 10 degrees or greater. Ground movements under such conditions are evaluated using methodologies which assume horizontal seams for their calculations. In order to accurately predict subsidence under these conditions it is necessary to develop an appropriate methodology that builds on the existing infrastructure. This paper presents a methodology that can be used to model subsidence under dipping seam conditions. The methodology has been validated with two case studies that are available in the literature.